Kiwis are being warned to be vigilant after reports of scam emails claiming to have come from the The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
The false account tells recipients to pay $79.95 for a vehicle license renewal.
"Kia ora, if you've already renewed within the last 24 hours, please ignore this reminder," the email says. "It costs $79.95 for 12 months if you renew online. Your reminder number is 200328."
The 'renew now' button directs you to an illegitimate website with an NZTA logo on the top left corner. The link does not begin with nzta.govt.nz.
NZTA is urging Kiwis to keep an eye out for genuine and false email addresses.
"Genuine emails from us come from @nzta.govt.nz or @reply.nzta.govt.nz," its site reads. "Scam email addresses will look similar, but won't be correct (scam examples include nzta.co.nz, nzta.gov.nz, nzta.qovt.nz, nzta.nz, nzta.com).
"They'll try to get your personal information (like your driver licence number or credit card details). They may trick you into paying for something that seems legitimate, like your vehicle licence (rego)."
"If you think you've received any other suspicious emails, please complete a 'report a phishing scam' form... The sooner we know about it, the faster we can act to protect you and everyone else."
If you think you've received something suspicious:
- don't click on any buttons or links in the email. Hover over them with your mouse to view the website address they'll take you to
- don't give out your personal details, driver licence details or payment details
- don't reply to the email
- complete a 'report a phishing scam' form
- check that your device is protected by anti-virus and anti-spyware.
